Gladstone's part was not very
prominent. I now remember little that he said. His image,
as it then appeared, is effaced by his later appearance on
a much greater occasion. Bright spoke admirably, both in
manner and matter. He was an Independent, through giving
general support to the measures of the Government, in which
Palmerston and Lord Russell were the leaders. He complained
bitterly of their acquiescence in what he thought the unconstitutional
attitude of the House of Lords, in refusing to consent to
the abolition of the paper duties, for which the House of
Commons had voted. But the Government, though they had tried
to abolish the duty, were very glad to hold on to the revenue.
Bright had none of the English hesitation, and frequent punctuation
of sentences with--"er"--"er"--which has led some one, speaking
of English orators, to say that "to err" is human. He reminded
me in general, in look, voice, and manner, of the late Richard
H. Dana, although he sometimes threw more passion and zeal
into his speech than Dana ever indulged. Periods followed
each other in easy and rapid flow.
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